Devine Scripture

Matthew 25:9

What does Matthew 25:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 25:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 25:9 means

The wise virgins, recognizing the critical nature of the situation and the impossibility of sharing their precious oil without jeopardizing their own readiness, wisely advised the foolish to go and buy some for themselves. Their refusal was not selfish but practical—their limited oil was precisely for their own sustained illumination. This response emphasizes that genuine spiritual life and personal faith cannot be transferred or shared, nor can it be acquired last minute. It highlights the irreplaceable need for individual, prior preparation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But the wise answered, saying, Peradventure there will not be enough for us and you: go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But the wise answered, saying, Peradventure there will not be enough for us and you: go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But the wise made answer, saying, There may not be enough for us and you; it would be better for you to go to the traders and get oil for yourselves.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the prudent answered, saying--Lest there may not be sufficient for us and you, go ye rather unto those selling, and buy for yourselves.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

The wise answered, saying: Lest perhaps there be not enough for us and for you, go ye rather to them that sell and buy for yourselves.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But the prudent answered saying, [We cannot,] lest it might not suffice for us and for you. Go rather to those that sell, and buy for yourselves.

Context

This verse provides the wise virgins' critical response to the foolish virgins' plea from verse 8. Their refusal to share their oil is central to the parable's lesson, emphasizing the non-transferable nature of spiritual preparedness. This redirection to "them that sell" establishes the final, desperate action of the foolish virgins, which will lead them away from the wedding feast in the next verse.

v.8And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are going out.

v.9This passage

v.10And while they went away to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage feast: and the door was shut.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Jeremiah 15:1

    Then said Jehovah unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind would not be toward this people: cast them out of my sight, and let them go forth.

  • Ezekiel 14:14

    though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord Jehovah.

  • Psalms 49:7

    None of them can by any means redeem his brother, Nor give to God a ransom for him

  • Isaiah 55:1

    Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

  • Revelation 3:17

    Because thou sayest, I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art the wretched one and miserable and poor and blind and naked:

  • Isaiah 55:6

    Seek ye Jehovah while he may be found; call ye upon him while he is near:

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 25

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 25.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Matthew 25:9.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary